Report: Florida State clears DB Ronald Darby in alleged rape case

Posted by Kevin McGuire on June 4, 2014, 7:03 PM EDT

Florida State defensive back Ronald Darby has been cleared by Florida State University in an alleged rape case. A panel reviewing Darby’s connection to a high-profile alleged rape case involving quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive end Chris Casher determined Darby was not responsible for any violations regarding creating a hostile environment for another student at the university.

Darby’s attorney, Tico Gimbel, confirmed to USA Today “Darby was not responsible for “conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for another person” and “acts that invade privacy of another person.” Darby and Casher had been accused of witnessing a rape by Winston, although state prosecutors never charged Winston for any crimes related to the incident in question.

“We’re happy with the outcome,” Gimbel said. “We believe it’s the right outcome, and Ronald Darby’s happy to put all of this behind him.”

Casher’s attorney did not confirm that ruling regarding his client to USA Today. There was some confusion over whether or not Winston would be called to testify to the panel about the involvement of his two teammates, but it was confirmed Winston did not attend a hearing for Casher and Darby due to a conflicting baseball schedule. Winston has not been charged with any crimes nor has he been charged with any violations by Florida State.

Of course they cleared Darby, if they didn’t they’d be admitting that Winston did in fact rape someone, instead of their current reasoning of turn a blind eye if you win a Heisman/MNC because covering up a rape could be pretty bad for all of us in Tally.

stopthemadness101 says:Jun 4, 2014 7:12 PM

Since no facts have been presented yet that support your preposterous theory kindly shut the hell up.

The accusation against Winston was reviewed by the State of Florida. There was not enough evidence and/or there was too much contradictory evidence to charge Winston with a crime. This is a factual statement based on evidence that is now available to the public.

Darby and Casher were being reviewed internally by Florida State for possible violations of the student code of conduct. What did they do, you ask? Well, they issued affidavits as evidence against the accusation that Winston committed a crime. The affidavits stated that Darby and Casher witnessed a consensual sexual act. Casher informed police, without an attorney present, that he attempted to record the act briefly (read: he’s not hiding anything).

To suggest that better players are cleared of wrong doing quicker is asinine. Winston was accused of sexual assault and if charged by the state (he was not) and convicted, Winston would have gone to jail.

Darby and Casher were reviewed internally by FSU for possible student conduct violations (read: they were not accused of committing crimes or submitting evidence against possible charges from the State).

The timeline of the State’s investigation and FSU’s review are independent of one another and the timeline has nothing to do with who starts on the football team, who’s in the running for a Heisman or who’s second string.